Bill passes crucial stage

Older persons have something to smile about following the approval by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation of the Older Persons Bill coming a decade after it was crafted.

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After years of uncertainty and speculation over whether the Older Persons Bill would ever become law, the elderly and stakeholders have something to be excited about as the bill was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation last week.

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The approval means the bill now awaits presentation for debate in Parliament.

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Ministry of Labour and Social Services Legal Advisor, Mrs Precious Sibiya hailed the progress made by the bill saying it has passed a vital stage in legislation making.

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The Older Persons Bill was crafted soon after the International Plan on Aging Second Assembly held in Madrid in 2002.

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Even though Zimbabwe was the first Sadc member country to draftÂ an Older Persons Bill about a decade ago however thoseÂ Â efforts were overtaken by countries such as South Africa who followed in Zimbabweâ€™s footsteps and promptly drafted and signed into law an Older persons Act.

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The bill if passed into law will help in recognising older persons rights and addressing challenges faced by the elderly.